Around the Schools 11/12/2012

Senior football center Jack Fagan is the epitome of student and athlete. Not only is he a force on the field, but Fagan is a force in the classroom.

Last year, Fagan was recognized as an all-league center and defensive tackle and an All-Region center. He is also a dedicated member of the wrestling team and student council, and also carries a 4.3 grade-point average.

"It is a good experience working with other people and making a commitment whether to a team or to a club," Fagan said. "Being exposed to different people and things help mold me for the future."

Fagan also finds time to volunteer for the Warrior Kid Football camp in the summer. Furthermore, he volunteers for a roadside cleanup and Relay for Life.

"I am always happy to do volunteer work for different causes," he said. "It makes me feel good that I can help others."

mmyers@timesshamrock.com

Dunmore

Sarah Ross, a two-year member of the softball team, competed in the Adidas Futures Games in the summer in St. George, Utah.

The junior went 17 for 34 at the tournament against more than 500 of the best unsigned/uncommitted players throughout the country.

She finished the tournament with five home runs, two doubles, a triple and 19 RBIs and was chosen for the all-tournament team by the opposing coaches.

During the all-star game, managed by the National Canadian team coach, she pitched two scoreless innings and had two singles and a walk at the plate.

hsmith@timesshamrock.com

Forest City

Junior soccer player Megan Goben is working on a senior project that has reaffirmed her values.

Goben is collecting materials for the Catherine McAuley Center, a women's advocacy center that provides temporary shelter for women and children in crisis. The center also assists women in attaining safe, affordable, permanent housing and provides them with support services that will lead to independence.

Goben said she believes in the McAuley Center's mission - that all women should be given the opportunity to lead independent lifestyles.

Goben is also involved in Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, art club, student council and National Honor Society.

Next year, after Goben graduates, she plans to attend college and pursue a career in physical therapy.

ateatum@timesshamrock.com

Honesdale

It was late in a 3-1 loss to Lake-Lehman on Oct. 23 in a District 2 Class AA play-in game that reality set in for senior soccer player Dylan Robbins.

He was playing the final game of his high school career.

"They scored three goals on us in the first half," Robbins said. "Even though we kept them scoreless in the second half, the last 10 minutes is when it hit me.

"It was sad, but I knew I left it all on the field that game."

Robbins played soccer four years for the Hornets. He also has played the sport since he was in first grade on various youth league and club teams. Also a fan of the game, his favorite team is FC Barcelona and his favorite player is Lionel Messi.

He hopes to continue playing in college at either Lock Haven or Millersville. Robbins plans on majoring in engineering.

"My freshman year at Honesdale, I took a drafting class and I got really interested in it. I've been doing that for four years," said Robbins, who is currently designing a motorcycle as part of the class.

swalsh@timesshamrock.com

Lakeland

Senior golfer Michael Thomas recently finished his high school playing career with a 12th-place finish at the state tournament.

"I wouldn't want it any other way," he said. "I didn't play my best, but I didn't do anything horribly wrong.

"I had a rough start to the beginning of the first day, then on the second day I got really tired on the last couple holes."

Off the golf course, Thomas is a member of the National Honor Society, and is the student council vice president.

cfoley@timesshamrock.com

Montrose

Senior quarterback Dylan Heeman has devoted a lot of time and energy to the football team, of which he has been the signal-caller since his sophomore season.

"It feels pretty cool being the leader of the team and helping contribute to our winning games this season," Heeman said.

Even while attending practice and playing games regularly, Heeman has been hard at work to get his senior project together. Heeman is job shadowing Claverack (Rural Electrical Cooperative) for his senior project in hopes of learning something he can use in his future career.

"I am job shadowing a guy from Claverack because I am interested in working there after graduation," Heeman said.

Students were able to get pink streaks dyed in their hair and donations went to the foundation for breast cancer awareness and research. She raised more than $300.

"I always like helping people, so this was the first thing that came to mind," Oakley said. "A year and a half ago, a close family friend was diagnosed with it and she died. This was in memory of her."

Oakley is also involved in student government, the scholastic team and Science Olympiad. She serves at the Harford Volunteer Fire Company and is taking an EMT class. She aspires to work in the medical field.

ateatum@timesshamrock.com

Valley View

Eddie Hughes, a member of the soccer and basketball teams, was named senior of the month in calculus for maintaining the highest GPA. He is also a member of the Red Cross, student council, National Honor Society and Math Honor Society.

"Senior year is bittersweet," Huges said. "It is difficult to have soccer come to a close but I am looking forward to beginning my senior season for basketball."

hsmith@timesshamrock.com

We welcome user discussion on our site, under the following guidelines:

To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.

Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.